Muscle stretching apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A muscle stretching apparatus includes a flexible, essentially inextensible main support structure of elongate dimension. At least a pair of bilateral auxiliary support structures is carried on the main support structure, each provided as serially arranged segments along at least a portion of an overall length of the main support structure. Each of the segments is connected with the main support structure creating a loop defining a bounded opening between each segment of the auxiliary support structure and the main support structure, thereby forming a handle structure for engagement by a hand or other appendage. Optionally, at least one end of the muscle stretching apparatus terminates in a loop free of the centrally disposed main support structure, for facilitated reception of, for example, a foot therein. Tension applied between an anchored position of the apparatus and at least one grasped position is used to stretch a selected muscle or muscles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a muscle stretching apparatus and a method for stretching various muscles and muscle groups.

Most forms of exercise, whether directed to strength training programs or aerobic cardiovascular workouts, cause the involved muscles to contract in order to flex the associated body part or region controlled thereby. Stretching after exercise can help to relax tension on muscles that have been exercised, and hence, subjected to repeated contraction. Stretching before or after exercise can, therefore, be an important part of any strength/endurance program, as well as being believed to provide independent health-related advantages when used alone.

Studies have shown that stretching increases flexibility, which in turn can make routine physical tasks easier to perform, with less effort and fatigue. Additionally, stretching improves range of joint motion, which in turn translates into better balance, thereby maintaining mobility and making an individual less prone to falls, especially with advancing age.

Stretching is also believed to increase blood flow to muscles, improving recovery after muscle injuries. Additionally, stretching has been shown to aid in relaxing tense muscles that often accompany stress.

Some also believe that stretching in advance of exercise helps to prevent athletic related injuries.

Depending on the particular muscle or muscle group involved, stretching one's own muscles and muscle groups may at times be difficult without the assistance of another person. Thus, devices have been heretofore suggested which facilitate the stretching of various muscles, without the required aid of another individual.

One such apparatus is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,359 issued to Dean. The disclosure presented therein is directed to a method of stretching muscles, particularly in a limb, which utilizes an elongated, inelastic apparatus including a series of engagement portions, for example, provided in the form of loops or pockets, which are disposed in series along a flexible longitudinal extent of the apparatus, and which are adapted to captively engage a limb. Engagement portions on either side of the limb-engaged engagement portion are then grasped in a hand or hands of the user, and used to apply resistance tension to the limb for selective stretching of a muscle or a muscle group which is elongated by virtue of the applied tension.

While useful in facilitating stretching without requiring assistance of a second individual, the range and variety of stretching techniques is limited to only certain muscle groups, such as the those in the upper arms and legs.

In addition, because the engagement portions are provided singly in series along a length of the apparatus, the apparatus must be doubled to allow effective grasping of the engagement portions located on both sides of the engagement portion in which the limb being stretched is held, such that even transfer of forces created by the hand applied tension to the limb are achieved. This requires that an overall length of the apparatus be increased, perhaps to an extent that an inconvenient size is reached, in order to allow a sufficient distance between the grasped portions and the limb being stretched.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a muscle stretching apparatus and stretching method which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a muscle stretching apparatus and method of use of the apparatus which is versatile for permitting a wide range of stretching exercises to be performed by a user without assistance of a second individual.

It is yet another object to provide the muscle stretching apparatus in a form which is conveniently carried and stored, and which reliably and correctly directs force to the muscle being stretched, and a method of using the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects are achieved by a muscle stretching apparatus according to the invention which broadly comprises a flexible, essentially inextensible main support structure of elongate dimension, and a pair of bilaterally disposed auxiliary support structures carried on the main support structure, each of the bilateral pair being provided as individually defined segments, serially arranged along a length of the flexible main support structure. Each of the segments (of each pair) defined by the serially arranged sub-divided auxiliary support structure is connected with the main support structure so as to form a closed loop (or handle) defining a discrete bounded opening between a given one of the pair of auxiliary support structures and the centrally disposed main support structure for each segment. Optionally, at least one terminal longitudinal end of the muscle stretching apparatus includes a loop structure in which the centrally disposed main support structure is absent, thereby allowing for facilitated reception of a larger-dimensioned body portion, for example, a foot therein.

Use of the muscle stretching apparatus according to the invention to perform stretching is implemented, in a broadest sense, by creating tension through the main support structure between an anchor point and at least one location of a user's body or between two or more locations of a body of the user. This is accomplished by applying tension between two grasped positions along the muscle stretching apparatus, or by anchoring the muscle stretching apparatus at a selected position therealong and pulling away from the anchored position by one or both hands grasping the muscle stretching apparatus at least one other position therealong spaced apart from the anchored position, wherein the at least one other position corresponds generally to a particular auxiliary support segment location, or the at least one loop structure thereof (when the latter is optionally provided at a terminal end or ends). Various stretching techniques directed to particular muscles or muscle groups can be implemented by applying tension between selected body locations when in selected positions/orientations.

While the invention is broadly drawn to any type of flexible and essentially inextensible main support structure of elongated dimension provided, for example, in the form of a filament or cord having a contiguous length or, alternatively, a length of suitable material comprised of two or more attached longitudinal segments, advantageously, the main support structure is provided generally in a form of a contiguous band (or strap) of flattened and widened dimension, fabricated, for example, as a woven nylon web. Also, advantageously, the auxiliary support structure is likewise provided as a pair of band material, each of the pair of bands being overlaid on opposed flat sides of the main support structure, and stitched together at intervals to define the looped handle structure between the stitching. When the three overlaid bands are stitched entirely through, the segmented handle structures produced define longitudinally aligned pairs of bilateral loops. Alternatively, when each of the pairs of bands making up the auxiliary support structure is individually stitched to the main support structure, a staggered arrangement of loops on each side of the main support structure can be achieved, if so desired.

Since an achievable degree of stretching is generally directly related to a measure of an approximation (bringing closer) of one body part to another, the auxiliary support segments of at least one of the pair of auxiliary support structures will advantageously be sequentially marked with indicia along the longitudinal direction, thereby enabling the user to gauge progress by noting the particular marking on a support segment corresponding to a region of the muscle stretching apparatus being held by the user during a particular stretch. These indicia are conveniently provided in the form of sequential arabic numerals, for example, “1” for the optional terminal end loop for reception of a foot, and progressively higher ascending numbers for auxiliary support segments spaced with increasing distance from the terminal end. In this way, as the user's ability to stretch improves, and greater approximation is achieved, progress is easily monitored by noting a decrease in a number associated with a particular auxiliary support segment portion or portions being held, or a smaller numerical difference between two positions being held. These indicia concomitantly provide advantage for training purposes, wherein an instructor can easily indicate a correct position at which to grasp the muscle stretching apparatus.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stretching apparatus employing a band configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 a is a detail view of an end portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b is a detail view of an end portion of an alternative embodiment to FIG. 1, in which loops formed by paired auxiliary structures are staggered from one another in the longitudinal direction;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing advantageous single hand gripping position for holding the stretching band at a position therealong defined by a main support structure and bilaterally disposed auxiliary support structure carried on the main support structure;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing advantageous double hand gripping position for holding the stretching band at a position therealong defined by the main support structure and the bilaterally disposed auxiliary support structure carried on the main support structure;

FIGS. 5 a-g are schematic explanatory views depicting exemplary stretching exercises for stretching indicated lower body muscles; and

FIGS. 6 a-i are schematic explanatory views depicting exemplary stretching exercises for stretching indicated upper body muscles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Broadly stated, the invention is embodied in an apparatus which comprises a flexible, essentially inextensible main support structure of elongate dimension, and a pair of bilaterally disposed auxiliary support structures carried on said main support structure. The pair of auxiliary support structures includes bilateral structure located on respective sides of the main support structure, each of the pair including serially arranged segments running along a length of the flexible main support structure, on both sides thereof. Each of the segments is connected with the main support structure so as to create a closed loop defining a discrete bounded opening between each of the auxiliary support structure segments and the centrally disposed main support structure.

For purposes herein, the term “bilateral” or “bilaterally” are used to describe structural portions which are laterally alongside one another in a direction crosswise of a longitudinal extent of the main support structure of the muscle stretching apparatus, and include, for example, a pair of auxiliary support structures which are disposed both on a same side adjacent to one another, or each on opposite sides of the main support structure.

A method of use of the muscle stretching apparatus according to the invention to perform, stretching exercises includes either applying tension by urging two grasped locations spaced apart along the muscle stretching apparatus in opposed directions, or by anchoring the muscle stretching apparatus at a position therealong, grasping or otherwise engaging the muscle stretching apparatus by an associated one of the segments of the each of the pair of auxiliary support structures at least one region therealong which is spaced apart from the anchored position, and applying tension between the anchored position and the grasped position (or positions). The anchoring can be implemented by a body part of the user, for example, a foot, or by engagement with an inanimate support, such as a fixed pole, etc.

While the invention is broadly drawn to any type of flexible and essentially inextensible main and auxiliary support structures of elongated dimension including, for example, filament or cord having a contiguous length or, alternatively, a length comprised of two or more attached longitudinal segments, advantageously, at least the main support structure takes the form of a band (or strap) of generally flattened and widened dimension, fabricated, for example, as a woven nylon web. In accordance with a particularly advantageous embodiment, the entire device is defined by a multi-layered band configuration, wherein the pair of bilateral auxiliary support structures are also defined by flexible bands overlaying the central main support structure and stitched thereto by stitching running crosswise to the longitudinal extent at spaced apart locations, thereby defining the loop/handle structure of the each of the pair of auxiliary support structures between adjacent stitching locations.

An advantageous embodiment of a stretching apparatus according to the invention configured with such a layered band type structure, is depicted, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2 a.

Referring to FIG. 1, a stretching apparatus, generally designated 10 includes a main support structure 1, running longitudinally, centrally of the apparatus 10. Such central disposition of the main support structure 1 advantageously achieves a direct transfer of tensional forces, when applied, between an anchoring position of the apparatus 10 and a grasped position or positions along the apparatus 10 spaced apart from the anchoring position, as will be explained in greater detail below.

Optionally, at least one end of the muscle stretching apparatus 10 terminates in a loop 3, for facilitated reception of, for example, a foot therein. The depicted example of FIG. 1 includes two loops 3, each at opposed terminal ends of the stretching apparatus 10.

In addition to the centrally disposed main support structure 1, stretching apparatus 10 further includes a pair of auxiliary support structures 2 a, 2 b disposed bilaterally of the main support structure 1 (in the disclosed example, on both opposed flattened sides of the main support structure). Each of the auxiliary support structures 2 a, 2 b is connected with the main support structure 1 at spaced apart locations, for example by stitching 4 running cross-wise in a width direction of the stretching apparatus 10, thereby to subdivide each of the respective bands defining the pair of auxiliary support structure 2 a, 2 b into serially arranged handle segments extended along a length of the flexible main support structure 1, each of the segments in turn forming a closed loop defining a discrete bounded opening between each auxiliary support structure 2 a, 2 b and the centrally disposed main support structure 1, for reception, for example, of a user's hand therethrough. As shown in the figures, advantageously, each segment length of the subdivided band forming each auxiliary support structure 2 a, 2 b between adjacent positions of attachment by stitching 4 is greater than a corresponding segment length of the main support structure 1, such that slack is created in the handle segments of the auxiliary support structure 2 a, 2 b. This insures that when tension is applied, forces between the anchored position and the grasped position(s) of the apparatus 10, or between two grasped portions spaced apart from one another, are exclusively and reliably linearly conveyed along the central main support structure 1 under tension.

Since an increase in a degree of approximation of one body part to another, i.e., a shortening of a distance therebetween during stretching, is directly correlated with an improvement in stretching ability, the auxiliary support segments will be, according to an advantageous option, sequentially marked with indicia enabling the user to readily gauge progress by noting the particular marking on an auxiliary support segment corresponding to a region of the muscle stretching apparatus being held by the user during a particular stretching exercise. These indicia are advantageously provided in the form of sequential arabic numerals 5, for example, in which “1” is applied to the optionally provided terminal end loop 3 particularly well adapted for reception of a foot, and progressively higher ascending numbers (eg., 2, 3, 4, . . . n) for support segments respectively spaced farther from the terminal end loop 3. In this way, as the user improves, progress is easily monitored by noting a decrease in a number 3 associated with an auxiliary segment portion being held, in direct correspondence with the muscle being stretched becoming more limber. These indicia (eg., arabic numbers 3 as depicted) also provide advantage for training purposes, wherein an instructor can easily indicate to a student a correct position at which to grasp the muscle stretching apparatus.

The central main support structure 1 and bilateral auxiliary support structures 2 a, 2 b provide further advantage by permitting more secure and reliable grasping of the apparatus 10 by one or both hands of a user.

Turning to FIG. 3, an example of an advantageous single hand grip orientation is depicted, and which inhibits dislodging of a hand 6 from grasped engagement with the apparatus 10, even when the hand 6 is in an open orientation as shown, during performance, for example, of a stretching exercise requiring such open-hand position.

FIG. 4 depicts an example of a recommended two hand grip of auxillary support structure 2 a, 2 b by both hands 6. It will be noted that, as mentioned above, tension is reliably and advantageously transferred along the taut extent (as shown) of the main support structure 1.

A wide range of exercises directed to stretching of muscles and muscle groups can be performed using the stretching apparatus 10 according to the invention. Examples directed to stretching of upper body muscles are depicted in FIGS. 5 a-5 g, and to lower body muscles in FIGS. 6 a-6 i, in which the stretched muscles are identified by shaded body portions in the various views.

While in the examples given above herein depict and describe the loops formed by the segments of the bilateral auxiliary support structures are symmetrically disposed on either side of the main support structure, as shown, for example in FIGS. 1 and 2 a (i.e., with the loops of the auxiliary support structure on located on opposed sides of the main support structure occupying the same longitudinal positions), it is contemplated that while this arrangement deemed advantageous, no such symmetry is required within the intended scope of the invention, and the loops on both sides of the main support structure can alternatively be staggered one from the other, such that when grabbed by a two handed grip, one hand will be forward of the other by the staggered distance.

An example of such configuration is depicted in FIG. 2 b, in which a stretching apparatus 10′ includes, analogous to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 a, a main support structure 1′, running longitudinally, centrally of the apparatus 10′, at least one optional loop 3′ at a terminal end of apparatus 10′, a pair of auxiliary support structures 2 a′, 2 b′ connected with the main support structure 1′ at spaced apart locations, for example, by stitching 4′ running cross-wise in a width direction of the stretching apparatus 10′.

It is noted that within the scope of the invention as contemplated, both static and well as dynamic stretching can be achieved by use the disclosed apparatus. For purposes herein, “static” refers to applying tension, as described above, and maintaining or progressively increasing the tension over a given period. In “dynamic” stretching, the muscles being stretched are stretched and relaxed over a series of repetitions.

It is further noted, that in addition to specific application as a muscle stretching appliance, as described above, the disclosed structural apparatus will also find utility as a tool for providing proprioceptive feedback, thereby assisting in stabilizing, for example, a correct yoga or dance pose, by creating tension between body parts benefitting from such stabilization.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A muscle stretching apparatus, comprising: a flexible, essentially inextensible main support structure of elongate dimension; and at least a pair of auxiliary support structures carried bilaterally on the main support structure, at least a length portion of each of said pair of auxiliary support structures including at least three serially arranged segments along a length of the flexible main support structure, each of the segments being connected with the main support structure so as to define a discrete bounded opening between each of said auxiliary support structures and the main support structure.
 2. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a loop structure carried on at least one terminal longitudinal end of said main support structure.
 3. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ones of said segments of a first one of said pair of auxiliary support structures positionally coincide in a longitudinal direction of the main support structure generally with other ones of said segments of a second one of said pair of auxiliary support structures located on another side of said main support structure from said first one of said pair of auxiliary support structures.
 4. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein ones of said segments of a first one of said pair of auxiliary support structures positionally are staggered in a longitudinal direction of the main support structure in relation to other ones of said segments of a second one of said pair of auxiliary support structures located on another side of said main support structure from said first one of said pair of auxiliary support structures.
 5. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said main support structure or said auxiliary support structures includes a band of flattened and widened dimension.
 6. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising indicia, said indicia being unique for each of said segments occupying different respective longitudinal positions along the length of the main support structure.
 7. A method of stretching at least one muscle of a body of a user, comprising: providing a muscle stretching apparatus including a flexible, essentially inextensible main support structure of elongate dimension, said muscle stretching apparatus further including at least a pair of auxiliary support structures carried bilaterally on the main support structure, at least portions of each of said pair of auxiliary support structures including at least three serially arranged segments along a length of the main support structure, each of the segments being connected with the main support structure so as to define a discrete bounded opening between said auxiliary support and the main support structure; using at least one hand of a user to grasp at least a selected one of the segments; and applying tension between the at least the selected one of the segments and an other length position of the muscle stretching apparatus.
 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said applying tension includes anchoring the muscle stretching apparatus at said other length position and pulling against said other length position at said at least the selected one of the segments.
 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein said grasping includes using both hands to each hold a respective one of the segments of at least one of said at least the pair of auxiliary support structures.
 10. A method according to claim 16, wherein: ones of said segments of a first one of said at least the pair of auxiliary support structures positionally coincide in a longitudinal direction of the main support structure generally with other ones of said segments of a second one of said pair of auxiliary support structures located on another side of said main support structure from said first one of said pair of auxiliary support structures; and said respective ones of the segments of said at least the pair of auxiliary support structures located in bilaterally oriented positions, which are held in both hands during said grasping, positionally coincide in the longitudinal direction of said main support structure.
 11. A method according to claim 8, wherein: said muscle stretching apparatus includes a loop structure carried on at least one terminal longitudinal end of the main support structure; and said anchoring includes inserting a foot through said loop structure.
 12. A method according to claim 7, further performing a series of repetitions in which said tension is relaxed following said applying tension and then again tensioned.
 13. A method according to claim 7, wherein: ones of said segments of a first one of said at least the pair of auxiliary support structures positionally coincide in a longitudinal direction of the main support structure generally with other ones of said segments of a second one of said pair of auxiliary support structures located on another side of said main support structure from said first one of said pair of auxiliary support structures; and said using at least one hand includes engaging both of a selected pair of segments of the pair of auxiliary support structures located in bilaterally oriented positions and which occupy a common length position of said main support structure by a single hand inserted through each said discrete bounded opening corresponding to each of said respective ones of said the pair of auxiliary support structures.
 14. A method according to claim 7, wherein: said muscle stretching apparatus further includes indicia which are unique for each of said segments occupying different respective longitudinal positions along the length of the main support structure; and said method further comprises using said indicia to gauge a degree of stretching.
 15. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least a length portion of each of said pair of auxiliary support structures which includes said at least three serially arranged segments spans a major portion of said elongate dimension of said main support structure.
 16. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an auxiliary support structure segment length between positions of attachment of a one of the segments to the main support structure is greater than a corresponding main support structure segment length of the main support structure between said positions of attachment such that slack is created in the segments of the auxiliary support structure.
 17. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said attachment includes stitching running cross-wise in a width direction of the stretching apparatus.
 18. A method according to claim 9, wherein the respective ones of the segments of said at least the pair of auxiliary support structures are located in bilaterally oriented positions.
 19. A muscle stretching apparatus, comprising: a main support structure defining a flexible, essentially inextensible longitudinal extent; and loops or handles being serially arranged along the longitudinal extent of said main support, said loops or handles being carried as at least three bilateral pairs on said main support structure, ones of said loops or handles of each of said bilateral pairs occupying a generally common longitudinal region along said longitudinal extent of said main support structure.
 20. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a loop structure carried on at least one terminal longitudinal end of said longitudinal extent of the main support structure.
 21. A method of stretching at least one muscle of a body of a user, comprising: providing a muscle stretching apparatus including a flexible, essentially inextensible main support structure of elongate dimension, said muscle stretching apparatus further including at least three loops or handles carried bilaterally on each side of said main support structure and being disposed in series along a length of the main support structure; using at least one hand of a user to grasp at least a selected one of the segments; and applying tension between the at least the selected one of the segments and an other length position of the muscle stretching apparatus.
 22. A muscle stretching apparatus according to claim 21, wherein ones of said loops or handles bilaterally disposed on opposed sides of said main support structure form pairs occupying a generally common longitudinal region along said longitudinal extent of said main support structure. 